Volatile composition dispenser with increased membrane exposure and volatile composition weight loss

ABSTRACT

A volatile composition dispenser includes a housing having opposing first and second walls that are joined along their peripheries to one another. The first wall has an aperture and the second wall has a plurality of apertures. Within the housing, rests a volatile composition cartridge and a gap, which exists between the cartridge and a bottom surface of the housing, wherein said bottom surface is formed from a joinder of a base portion of one or both of the first and second walls, and wherein, upon activation, the exposure percentage of the dispenser is from about 40% to about 90%; wherein at least about 60% of the total surface area of the plurality of apertures results from individual apertures of said plurality that each have an area of at least 30 mm 2  and an aspect ratio of at least about 1:2. Dispenser of a similar housing, cartridge, and gap when is activated by a user and thirty days after said activation, exhibits about 70% to 90% weight loss of said volatile composition of a partially exposed membrane of a fully exposed membrane.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of devices suitable for dispensingvolatile compositions like fragrances into the air of a controlledenvironment, e.g., a room.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well known that a device may be used to provide a pleasant scentor other emanated material for olfactory sensing within a room of ahome, office, or other contained domestic environment. Typically, suchdevices perpetuate a volatile composition, e.g., fragrance, odor masker,medicine, disinfectant, deodorizer, insect repellant, aromatherapymaterial, vaporized medication, or other volatile composition by eitheran energized or non-energized means. In the case of an energized means,the volatile composition's perpetuation within the room is heightened bythe use of electricity to power the device and usually the perpetuationis intermittent. For non-energized devices, they are usually activatedby some type of user operation. This activation may involve removal orpeeling away of an impermeable layer from a container for the volatilecomposition such that a release of the composition occurs or it mayinvolve mere exposure of the volatile composition by opening up thedevice to the environment.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,696,982 B2 discloses a method for delivering a volatilematerial to the atmosphere in a continuous, non-energized manner. Thismethod involves providing a delivery engine comprising a reservoir ofvolatile material, a microporous membrane enclosing the reservoir, arupturable substrate enclosing the reservoir, a flow path between thesubstrate and the membrane, and a rupture element of a particularconfiguration.

Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 8,740,110 B2 discloses an apparatus fordelivering a volatile material wherein the apparatus comprises adelivery engine that includes a reservoir for the material, a rupturablesubstrate secured to the reservoir, a rupture element positionedadjacent to the substrate, a membrane of a certain porosity andthickness wherein when the element is actuated causing the breach of thesubstrate which in turn causes the material to cross to the membrane fordiffusion to the atmosphere, and a housing comprising a base, a shell,and a hollowed core, wherein the core comprises a notch for compressingthe rupture element upon insertion of the delivery engine in thehousing.

Neither the above described method nor the apparatus, however, focuseson providing consumers with a potential benefit that may be derived byincreasing the exposure of a membrane wetted with a volatile compositionto the environment by means of an improved housing. It is appreciatedthat there are devices known in the fragrance provision spectrum thatinclude membranes that are fully exposed or nearly fully exposed totheir respective environments to be treated. None, however, have beenable to provide extended and heightened release of such fragrances whilestill providing effective containment of the membrane for aesthetic andsafety purposes. It should also be noted that neither of theabovementioned references focuses on the potential benefit of increasedvolatile composition weight loss of cartridges included therein whereinthat is subjected to such an increased exposure in a device.

Therefore, there still exists a need for a device or dispenser ofvolatile compositions that while being non-energized is capable ofdelivering a continuous but heightened volatile composition delivery toan environment as a result of increased wetted membrane exposure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is a volatilecomposition dispenser comprising:

-   a) a housing having opposing first and second walls that are joined    along their peripheries to one another, wherein said first wall has    an aperture and wherein said second wall has a plurality of    apertures;-   b) a volatile composition cartridge disposed within the housing    between said first and second walls;-   c) a gap, which exists between said cartridge and a bottom surface    of the housing, wherein said bottom surface is formed from a joinder    of a base portion of one or both of the first and second walls, and    -   wherein, upon activation, the exposure percentage is from about        40% to about 90%; wherein at least about 60% of the total        surface area of the plurality of apertures results from        individual apertures of said plurality that each have an area of        at least 30 mm² and an aspect ratio of at least about 1:2.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is avolatile composition dispenser comprising:

-   a) a housing having opposing first and second walls that are joined    along their peripheries to one another, wherein said first wall has    an aperture and wherein said second wall has a plurality of    apertures wherein at least about 60% of a total surface area of the    plurality of apertures results from individual apertures that have    an aspect ratio of greater than 1:2;-   b) a volatile composition cartridge comprising a membrane wherein    said cartridge is disposed within the housing between said first and    second walls; and-   c) a gap, which exists between said cartridge and a bottom surface    of the housing, wherein said bottom surface is formed from a joinder    of a base portion of one or both of the first and second walls; and    wherein said dispenser is activated by a user and thirty days after    said activation, there is about 70% to 90% weight loss of said    volatile composition of a partially exposed membrane of a fully    exposed membrane.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a volatile composition dispenseraccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the volatile composition dispensershown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross section view of a rear frame for a volatilecomposition dispenser according to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective exploded view of the volatile compositiondispenser shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a rear view the volatile composition dispenser according to anthe embodiment of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 6 is a rear view of a volatile composition dispenser of the presentinvention with an alternate configuration on the second wall.

FIG. 7A is a rear view of another embodiment of the dispenser of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7B is a graphical depiction of the volatile composition percentageweight loss of the embodiment of FIG. 7A versus an unhoused cartridge ofthe present invention.

FIG. 8A is a rear view of the embodiment of the dispenser shown in FIG.1.

FIG. 8B is a graphical depiction of the volatile composition percentageweight loss of the embodiment of FIG. 8A versus an unhoused cartridge ofthe present invention.

FIG. 9A is a rear view of an embodiment of a dispenser that fallsoutside of the present invention.

FIG. 9B is a graphical depiction of the volatile composition percentageweight loss of the embodiment of FIG. 9A versus an unhoused cartridge ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a volatile composition dispenser forthe delivery of a volatile material to the atmosphere, particularlywithin an enclosed space. This dispenser is suitable for various useswhere volatiles are useful. For instance, such uses, include but are notlimited to, air freshening, deodorization, odor elimination, malodorcounteraction, pest control, insect control, insect repelling,medicines/medicaments, disinfectants, sanitization, mood enhancement,aromatherapy aid, or any other use which requires a volatile compositionthat acts to condition, modify, or otherwise change the atmosphere orthe environment. For the purposes of illustrating the present inventionin detail, but without intending to limit the scope of the invention,the invention will be described as a volatile composition dispenser fordelivering a liquid, gel, or even solid particle compositions containingperfume raw materials.

This dispenser is targeted at providing a framework that allows forincreased exposure of a membrane that has been wetted with a volatilecomposition, i.e., a scented material. One of the disadvantages ofincreased exposure of the membrane is the likelihood of mishandling by auser which might result in user contact with the membrane. Therefore,there is a balance that must be achieved to provide a fairly openhousing which promotes an increased exposure to the membrane while alsoproviding an safe, user friendly, and aesthetically pleasing device forprovision of the selected scent or material to the environment.

FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of a volatilecomposition dispenser 10 of the present invention while FIG. 2 shows arear perspective view of this embodiment. The dispenser 10 depictedcomprises a housing 20 having a first wall 21 which opposes a secondwall 23. The constituents of the housing 20, including the first andsecond walls may be made from plastic, bamboo, wood, glass, shell, pulp,metals, or metalloids. It is also foreseeable in certain embodimentsthat the selected material of the walls may be recyclable or even madefrom recyclable materials. Any of the components of the housing whichinclude the first and second walls as well as the button and buttonchannel (which are discussed later in reference to FIG. 4) may be moldedvia thermal means, injection, or by blowing. These first and secondwalls are joined to each other along their respective peripheries 22,24. These walls may be joined to one another by various mechanismsincluding snap fit connectors, glue, or one or more latches thatmechanically attaches one of the walls to the other. The first wall 21and second wall 23 may be individually convex and may even be so convexas to form two hemispherical walls separately and a sphere shapeddispenser when joined to one another. In the depicted embodiment,however, the first wall 21 and second wall 23 are each curvedlycontoured in an elliptical shell form. Therefore, in this instance, theyform an elliptical shaped disc housing and dispenser. One might say thatthe first and second walls of this embodiment are shell shaped. Thefirst wall 21 includes a window 80 and a primary aperture 27. In thisembodiment, the primary aperture 27 is disposed near a base portion 23of the first wall. The primary aperture may vary in size but may have anarea from about 30 mm², 40 mm², 50 mm², 60 mm², 70 mm², 80 mm², 90 mm²or even 100 mm² to about 120 mm², 130 mm², 140 mm², 150 mm², 160 mm²,170 mm², or 180 mm². In this embodiment, the primary aperture 27 isabout 110 mm².

The window 80 is useful for providing a user with the ability to be ableto visually gauge the volume of the volatile composition within thereceptacle of the cartridge. This window 80 easily accommodates a rearor bottom surface of a cartridge 50 (referred to in FIG. 3) and in mostcases it will be transparent or translucent to facilitate in the viewingof the volume. This window 80 may take on various shapes. In thisembodiment, it is oval shaped but it may be rectangular, circular,triangular, or other asymmetric shapes that allow a user sufficientsight of the receptacle. The window 80 may also be of variable sizing.In an oval or elliptical configuration of the dispenser, the length mayrange from about 3 cm, 3.5 cm, 4 cm, 4.5 cm, or 5 cm to about 7 cm, 7.5cm, 8 cm, 8.5 cm or 9 cm, while the width ranges from about 3 cm, 3.5cm, or 4 cm to about 5 cm, 5.5 cm, 6 cm, 6.5 cm, 7 cm, 7.5 cm, or 8 cm.In one embodiment, the length of the housing is 6 cm while the width is4.5 cm. The volatile composition may vary in color from dispenser todispenser. The color of the composition may be coordinated with thecolor of the housing or an indicia on the button to promote a fragrancetheme. For instance, the composition may be blue while the indicia onthe button, e.g., a hand print, may also be blue to indicate an “ocean”or “calming” theme.

Another feature of the present invention is believed to be theoperational aspect where the primary aperture 27 cooperates (andpossibly to some extent the window 80 also cooperates) with a pluralityof apertures 28 that are within the second wall 23 to provide a chimneystack effect which promotes movement of air through the housing evenwhen the dispenser is at rest on a surface within the room which isexposed to the volatile composition once the dispenser is activated.

Although not shown in the figures, the first wall may also comprise asecond plurality of apertures around the window. The second plurality ofapertures may be of equivalent size to one another and may range innumber that is two or greater. It should be noted that these aperturesare distinct from the primary aperture as well as the window. Withoutbeing limited by theory, the second plurality of apertures likelyfacilitate in the pass through of air in the dispenser therebyincreasing the evaporation of the volatile composition and ultimateprovision of the composition into the environment.

FIG. 3 depicts a cross section view of the dispenser of FIGS. 1 and 2along A-A (shown in FIG. 4). This allows for appreciation of thevolatile composition cartridge 50 and its placement within the housing20 which results in the formation of the gap 40. This gap 40 is formedfrom the space that exists and extends between a bottom of the cartridgeand a base portion 25 made up one or both of the first wall 22 (25 a)and the second wall 24 (25 b). The gap is facilitated by supports 35which are attached to the first and second walls and in effect prop upthe cartridge 50 within the housing 20. The gap 40 may range in heightfrom 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, or 0.9 mm to 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.8 mm, or 2 mm. In one embodiment, the gapis about 1 mm high. Without being limited by theory, it is believed thatthis gap 40 facilitates air flow through the dispenser 10. Inparticular, air may enter the dispenser in any one of the openings inthe first or second wall. For instance, air may flow into the first wall21 through the aperture 27, through the gap 40, and then over a surfaceof the cartridge and out through the plurality of apertures 28 of thesecond wall 23 into the atmosphere. In another instance, air may enterthe dispenser in the plurality of apertures and flow across a width orlength of the dispenser such that the air flows out of an opposite sideof the same second wall 23. In either of these instances, it isenvisioned that the primary driver of perpetuation of a volatilecomposition from the cartridge to the environment is air flow, eitherdiffusive or convective, across a membrane of the cartridge. Inpreferred embodiments, the primary mechanism of perpetuation of thevolatile composition is convective air flow.

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the volatile composition cartridge 50.The cartridge 50 comprises a receptacle 51 containing a volatilecomposition and this composition is sealed within the receptacle 51 by arupturable substrate 52. The substrate 52 may be any material that issusceptible to rupturing as required by the present invention. Becausethe rupturable substrate 52 is intended to contain a volatilecomposition while in storage, it may be made from any barrier materialthat prevents evaporation of the volatile composition prior to itsintended use. Such materials may be impermeable to vapors and liquids.Suitable barrier materials for the rupturable substrate 52 include aflexible film, such as a polymeric film, a flexible foil, or a compositematerial such as foil/polymeric film laminate. Suitable flexible foilsinclude a metal foil such as a foil comprised of a nitrocelluloseprotective lacquer, a 20 micron aluminum foil, a polyurethane primer,and 15 g/m2 polyethylene coating (Lidfoil 118-0092), available fromAlcan Packaging. Suitable polymeric films include polyethyleneterephtalate (PET) films, acrylonitrile copolymer barrier films such asthose sold under the tradename Barex® by INOES, ethylene vinyl alcohol,and combinations thereof. It is also contemplated that coated barrierfilms may be utilized as a rupturable substrate 52. Such coated barrierfilms include metalized PET, metalized polypropylene, silica or aluminacoated film may be used. Any barrier material, whether coated oruncoated, may be used alone and or in combination with other barriermaterials.

The receptacle 51 of the cartridge 50 may be configured dimensionally tohold from about 1 ml, 2 ml, 3 ml, or 4 ml to about 6 ml, 10 ml, 20 ml,30 ml, 40 ml or even 50 ml of a volatile composition. In certainembodiments, the receptacle may contain about 2 ml of a volatilecomposition. In another embodiment, the receptacle may contain about 6ml of a volatile composition. In these cases, the composition is likelyin liquid form. Further, a shape of the receptacle 51 may be configuredto correspond to a shape of the window 80 of the first wall. Forexample, the receptacle 51 may define a substantially elliptical or ovalshape and its width to length ratio may be about 1:2 to 1:2.5.

The volatile composition may be suitable for a variety of uses and maybe presented in various forms of a liquid, gel, or solid. Ideally, thevolatile composition will be a material that is readily absorbable intoa membrane as discussed herein and is easily vaporizable therefrom wheninto the atmosphere over an extended and continuous period of time.Suitable volatile compositions perfume oils, perfume raw materials,crystalline solids, and combinations thereof.

The volatile composition may be formulated to comprise about 10% toabout 100%, by total weight, of volatile materials that each having a VPat 25° C. of less than about 0.01 torr; alternatively about 40% to about100%, by total weight, of volatile materials each having a VP at 25° C.of less than about 0.1 torr; alternatively about 50% to about 100%, bytotal weight, of volatile materials each having a VP at 25° C. of lessthan about 0.1 torr; alternatively about 90% to about 100%, by totalweight, of volatile materials each having a VP at 25° C. of less thanabout 0.3 torr. In one embodiment, the volatile material mixture mayinclude 0% to about 15%, by total weight, of volatile materials eachhaving a VP at 25° C. of about 0.004 torr to about 0.035 torr; and 0% toabout 25%, by total weight, of volatile materials each having a VP at25° C. of about 0.1 torr to about 0.325 torr; and about 65% to about100%, by total weight, of volatile materials each having a VP at 25° C.of about 0.035 torr to about 0.1 torr. One source for obtaining thesaturation vapor pressure of a volatile material is EPI Suite™, version4.0, available from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The sealing of the substrate 52 occurs along an inner lip 54 of thereceptacle 51. The sealing may amount to a mere securing of thesubstrate to the cartridge. This sealing may result from the use of ameans selected from heat, adhesive, mechanical attachment (assuming suchis leakproof) like crimping, ultrasonic bonding, or any combinationthereof.

A rupturing element 55 is placed next to the rupturable substrate 52 andis biasingly movable to contact the substrate 52 to cause rupturing orpuncturing of the substrate 52 when activation occurs. The rupturingelement 55 comprises rupturing pins 57 on one or more spring basedflexing arms 56 or on a flexing support ring 58 for the arms 56. Each ofthe rupturing element, arms, pins, and support ring may be formed frommolded plastic via injection, pressure, or compression. In certainembodiments, a user may press the button along its longitudinal axis 200(shown in FIG. 4) to activate the dispenser.

A membrane 53 is placed in a sealing manner over an outer lip 59 of thereceptacle 51. The membrane may be a breathable and/or microporous. Themembrane may have an average pore size of from 0.01 microns or 0.02microns to about 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, or 0.06 microns. In a certainembodiment, the average pore size is about 0.02 microns. The membranehas a thickness of about 0.1 mm, 0.15 mm, 0.2 mm, to about 0.3 mm, 0.4mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.8 mm, or 1 mm. In a certain embodiment, thethickness may be 0.25 mm. Further, the membrane 53 may be filled withany suitable filler and plasticizer known in the art. Fillers mayinclude finely divided silica, clays, zeolites, carbonates, charcoals,and mixtures thereof. The microporous membrane 53 may be filled withabout 50% to about 80%, by total weight, of silica, alternatively about60% to about 80%, alternatively about 70% to about 80%, alternativelyabout 70% to about 75%. A thickness of the membrane 53 may be about 0.01mm to about 1 mm, alternatively between about 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm,alternatively about 0.15 mm to about 0.35 mm, alternatively about 0.25mm This membrane 53 is next to the rupturing element 55, effectivelyproviding a covering for the rupturing element 55 within the receptacle51. Suitable membranes include those which are also ultra-high molecularweight polyethylene and such materials are commercially available asDaramic™V5 from Daramic, Soluport® from DSM of the Netherlands, andTeslin™ from PPG Industries. Once the dispenser is activated, thevolatile composition spreads out of the receptacle and wets the membraneand is then delivered to the environment. It is intended that thevolatile composition be virtually undetectable by a user until such timeas activation occurs. Then, once activated, the scent of the volatilecomposition is quite noticeable and should remain so throughout the lifeof the dispenser until the volatile composition level is indicated asbeing fairly low or non-existent within the window 80.

FIG. 5 shows a rear view of the dispenser. From this view, the totalsurface area of the plurality of apertures 28 can be appreciated. Thetotal surface area of these apertures is determined by adding thesurface area of each of the openings on the second wall (excluding theentrance of a button channel where the button is placed). The totalsurface area of the membrane 51 is measured based on a portion of themembrane's exterior surface which is wettable. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-5, the total surface area of the plurality of apertures 28 ofwhich there are twenty-four is 2396 mm² or about 2400 mm². In FIG. 4,the wettable surface area 53 a of the membrane is shown and can bemeasured as the total exterior surface area of membrane minus an area ofthe sealed membrane 53 b area joined to the outer lip 59 of thereceptacle 51. In this embodiment, the sealed membrane area 53 b isabout 8 cm² while the total surface area of the membrane is 35 cm².Therefore, the wettable surface area of the membrane 52 a is about 2700mm². In practice the total surface area of the membrane 53 may be fromabout 200 mm², 1000 mm², 1500 mm², 2000 mm², 2500 mm², or 3000 mm² toabout 4000 mm², 5000 mm², 6000 mm², or even 10,000 mm². Suitablemembranes include a microporous, ultra-high molecular weightpolyethylene (optionally filled with silica), permeable polymeric,thermoplastic, or thermoset materials.

The plurality of apertures 28 has a total surface area that is 90%(i.e., (2396 mm²/2700 mm²)×100%) of the wettable surface area of themembrane. In other embodiments, the ratio or percentage of interest tothe present invention is herein referred to as exposure percentage andis derived by taking the total surface area of the plurality ofapertures area divided by the wettable surface area. The exposurepercentage may range from about 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, or even 65% toabout 70%, 75%, 80%, or 85%. It should also be noted that it isenvisioned that the plurality of apertures 28 of the second wall mayactually have a total surface area of that is greater than the totalwettable surface of the membrane. That is, the total surface area of theplurality of apertures may be greater than 100%. This may result whenthe second wall is particularly convex and the surface area of thesecond wall is severely greater than the surface area of the wettablemembrane. In the case where the plurality of apertures 28 includesindividual apertures that are large in size and the second wall isconvexedly extended, this dynamic may occur.

The plurality of apertures 28 may be of different shapes. A preferredshape, however, is an elongated shape which is shown in this embodiment.These elongated shapes may be selected from the group consisting ofresembling flower petals, test tubes, rectangles, triangles,particularly, isosceles triangles, crescent moons, and combinationsthereof. In any instance, the elongated nature of the plurality ofapertures is important. More specifically, the apertures should have anaspect ratio of at least about 1:2. In other embodiments, this aspectratio may be at least about 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, or even 1:6. It should benoted that at least about 60% of a total surface area of the pluralityof apertures comprise individual apertures that each have an area of atleast about 30mm² and aspect ratio is at least about 1:2. In otherembodiments, it may be at least about 70%, 80%, or 90% or 100% totalsurface area of the plurality of apertures comprising individualapertures that each has an area of at least about 30 mm², 35 mm², 40mm², or 42 mm² to 50 mm², 60 mm², 70 mm², 80 mm², 90 mm², 100 mm², 110mm², 120 mm², 130 mm², 140 mm², 150 mm², or 160 mm² and an aspect ratioof at least about 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, and up to 1:8. In anembodiment, each of these individual apertures has an area of at leastabout 42 mm². The present invention is intended to envision the variouscombinations of parameters disclosed herein.

It is believed that the configuration of this dispenser allows for aneffective and improved convective movement of air flow through thedispenser given the presence of the primary aperture on the first wall,the plurality of apertures on the second wall, and the gap at the baseof both. This unique combination of design aspects allow for air to bemore readily carried into the dispenser through at least the first wall,through the gap, and up and out of the second wall through the pluralityof apertures which provide an increased exposure percentage over deviceswhich are known. Again, the elongated plurality of apertures is criticalto this benefit.

FIG. 6 shows an alternate configuration of the plurality of apertures28. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, it should be noted that theplurality of apertures 28 shown each have a proximate end 90 that isplaced near an opening of a button channel 70 and a distal end 72 thatis placed proximate to the periphery 24 of the second wall 23. In theembodiment of FIG. 6, the distal end 91 of one or more of the pluralityof apertures 28 may extend to the periphery of the second wall therebyincreasing the overall surface area of this group of apertures. Thisincreased area would translate to an increase in the percentage of thetotal area of the plurality of the apertures versus the wettable surfacearea of the membrane. This would undoubtedly allow for increasedevaporation of the volatile composition into the environment.

It should be noted, however, that FIG. 4 also depicts a button 60 whichis slidably disposed within a button channel 70 that extends from anexterior surface 26 of the second wall 23 to an interior of the housing.The button channel 70, which may be tubular, has a proximate end 71 thatis flush with the exterior surface 26 of the second wall 23 and a distalend 72 that is a relatively short distance from an outward facingsurface of the membrane 53. The button 60 is activated when a userpushes a push surface 61 of the button. This pushing causes the buttonto slide toward the interior of the dispenser. This pushing on thebutton amounts to activation of the dispenser. This pushing of thebutton also causes the button to apply pressure to the membrane 53 whichin turn exerts pressure on the rupture element 54. This exerted pressureon the rupture element 55 causes the rupture pins 57 to contact therupturable substrate 52 and create holes in the substrate through whichthe volatile composition may now be released for liquid absorption intothe membrane for eventual release to the environment by evaporation overan extended period of time. Once this pressure on the rupturablesubstrate 52 results in the creation of holes in the substrate 52, theuser's release of the button allows for the biased rupture element toretract from the substrate returning to the element to an either apost-activation position along the length of the channel or an initialposition that is flush with the exterior surface of the second wall orsubstantially flush with it. This retraction movement of the ruptureelement allows the holes to be unobstructed and allows for an easierflow of the volatile composition out of the receptacle and to themembrane.

The dispensers of the present invention are characterized by the loss ofvolatile composition from the cartridge once activated and for aprolonged period of time thereafter. The benefit of this prolongedrelease is consistent exposure to the volatile composition by those thatare in the environment in which the dispenser is placed. In order todetermine the efficacy of the dispenser, one might look at the abilityof the dispensing device to release the volatile composition. Thus, itis important that this value is measured. For any volatile compositionthat wets a membrane, an ideal amount of evaporation of that compositionoccurs in a fully exposed membrane. One objective of the presentlyclaimed dispensers is to come as close to this optimal evaporation aspossible as a result of a increased membrane exposure while thedispenser remains aesthetically pleasing for users and safe for thosesame users and children that might be handling the dispensers. In orderto determine the efficacy of the dispenser, one would look at thepercentage weight loss of a partially exposed membrane of a fullyexposed membrane. First, the cumulative weight loss at a time afteractivation is calculated.Cumulative Weight Loss at T _(x) =Wcum _(Tx) =W _(Ti) −W _(Tx)whereinW_(Ti)=initial weight of volatile composition (mg) prior to activationW_(Tx)=weight of volatile composition (mg) at a designated time (days)after activationThis quantity is then used to determine the percentage of cumulativeweight loss of the volatile composition as follows.% of Cumulative Weight Loss=% Wcum=Wcum _(Tx) ÷W _(Ti)×100%In order to then determine how the weight loss of the partially exposedmembrane of the dispenser compares to a fully exposed membrane, thefollowing calculation is made.Percentage weight loss of partially exposed membrane of fully exposedmembrane=Wcum _(Tx) of partially exposed membrane×100%Wcum_(Tx) of 100% exposed membraneFor these calculations, any volatile composition may be employed. Forillustrative purposes as well as for the subsequent examples, a standardperfume composition is disclosed which exhibits the formulation of Table1.

TABLE 1 Vapor Vapor Perfume Pressure Pressure Composition 25° C. 25° C.Wt Low High Percentage 0.001 0.01 6.45 0.01 0.1 19.57 0.1 0.3 54.24 0.310 19.74 Total 100The volatile composition, however, may constitute any number ofmaterials.For calculation of the values detailed herein, one requires thefollowing items:

-   1. Balance (Scale: Ohaus AA210 S/N 11131122540) or equivalent.-   2. Housing of the present invention including a first and second    wall-   3. Volatile composition cartridges containing 5.5 ml of perfume    composition. (If adding a perfume composition by weight, multiply    measured density by 5.5 ml to obtain the accurate fill weight.)-   4. 3M Scotch Weld Applicator TC and glue, #3797-TC or equivalent.-   5. Evaporation rack or equivalent open tray (baker's) rack, covered    at the top and shelves spaced at 15 cm or more.-   6. Room to accommodate evaporating rack with the following    measurements, air flow, temperature/relative humidity or equivalent:    -   a) Laboratory Dimensions: 32 feet 4 inches long×72 inches        wide×108 inches high or 1,730 ft³    -   b) Air Flow (Intake and Exhaust)        -   Normal Mode: Average Intake Supply: 103.75 ft³/min±6%        -   Average Exhaust: 149.25 ft³/min±6%        -   Difference results in negative air pressure: −45.5        -   Negative pressure indicates that air supply to laboratory            and from an adjacent hallway or room is exhausted through            the ventilation system.    -   c) Temperature and % Relative Humidity        -   Average Temperature: 23°±0.1° C.        -   Average % Relative Humidity: 45% ±0.5%            Determination of Percentage of Cumulative Weight Loss of            Volatile Composition-   1. Load the cartridge with the volatile composition in such a way as    to provide a sealed cartridge that is not yet wetted. For instance,    one may pierce a volatile composition cartridge by cutting in it a    hole that allows for insertion of an 18 gauge needle.-   2. Fill the cartridge with 5.5 ml of perfume composition. This is    equivalent to 5024 mg of the standard perfume composition. The    volume may need to be adjusted based on the density of the    composition of interest.-   3. Seal the insertion hole with hot melt adhesive.-   4. Measure and record the weight of the cartridge to three    significant figures.-   5. Insert the cartridge into the housing and ensure that the    cartridge is set correctly within the housing to ensure proper air    flow therethrough.-   6. Activate the cartridge to wet its membrane. Herein, such    activation is achieved by pushing the activation button. There may,    however, be equivalent means of activation and wetting the membrane.-   7. Pick a time and measure (in mg) and record the cartridge weight    daily at the same time for at least thirty days.-   8. Determine the percentage of cumulative weight loss of the    volatile composition as detailed earlier using the recorded times    with their corresponding weights.

The present invention additionally relates to methods of delivering avolatile composition. The method comprises the steps of providing adispenser as detailed herein in its various characterizations.

EXAMPLES

The following examples and comparative example are not intended to beconstrued as limiting the present invention since there are manyvariations which are possible without departing from the spirit andscope.

Example 1

In this example, the standard perfume formulation is used as thevolatile composition. The volatile composition cartridge is configuredwithin a housing having a second wall as shown in FIG. 7A which reflectsan approximate exposure percentage of 45% based on the configuration ofthe plurality of apertures in the second wall. The exposure percentageis calculated as the total area of the plurality of apertures of thissecond wall of 1188 mm² divided by the entire wettable area of 2700 mm²and multiplied by 100%. The volatile composition is included into thereceptacle of the cartridge at an amount of 5.5 ml and this cartridge isinserted between first and second walls. The aspect ratio of themajority of the individual apertures of the plurality of apertures isgreater than or equal to 1:2. Per the percentage of cumulative weightloss described herein, % Wcum is measured over a period of 30 days (butincludes days 31 and 35) and the volatile composition (perfume) weightloss percentage is shown in FIG. 7B is calculated to be 72% as reportedin Table 2 versus the % Wcum of 88% for the fully exposed membrane asshown in Table 3. The percentage weight loss of partially exposedmembrane of fully exposed membrane is calculated where

Wcum_(Tx) of partially exposed membrane=3620 mg

Wcum_(Tx) of 100% exposed membrane=4430 mg

and is3620 mg×100%=82%4430 mg

TABLE 2 ~45% Membrane Exposure Percentage of Wt. Cumulative Loss of ‘45%exposed’ Weight Loss % Cumulative membrane of fully Days (mg) WeightLoss exposed membrane 0 0 0 — 1 280 6 99 2 440 9 61 3 613 12 59 5 777 1563 7 1177 23 66 9 1525 30 69 11 1816 36 71 14 2314 46 75 16 2462 49 7518 2754 55 79 22 3036 60 77 24 3295 66 79 28 3504 70 81 30 3620 72 82 313728 74 83 35 3964 79 86

TABLE 3 Fully Exposed Membrane (For All Examples Herein) CumulativeWeight Loss % Cumulative Days (mg) Weight Loss 0 0 0 1 283 6 2 725 14 31032 21 5 1234 25 7 1775 35 9 2203 44 11 2555 51 14 3067 61 16 3264 6518 3482 69 22 3947 79 24 4173 83 28 4336 86 30 4430 88 31 4476 89 354627 92

Example 2

In this example, the standard perfume formulation is also used as thevolatile composition. The volatile composition cartridge is configuredwithin a housing having a second wall as shown in FIG. 8A and as aresult the dispenser herein exhibits an exposure percentage ofapproximately 90% (i.e., (2396 mm²/2700 mm²)×100%) based on theconfiguration of the plurality of apertures in the second wall. The sameamount of the volatile composition is included in this dispenser as isutilized for Example 1. The aspect ratio of the majority of theindividual apertures of the plurality of apertures is greater than orequal to 1:2. Per the percentage of cumulative weight loss describedherein, % Wcum is measured over a period of 30 days (but includes days31 and 35) and the volatile composition (perfume) weight loss percentageis shown in FIG. 8B is calculated to be 78% as reported in Table 4versus the % Wcum of 88% for the fully exposed membrane as shown inTable 3 (in Example 1). The percentage weight loss of partially exposedmembrane of fully exposed membrane is calculated where

Wcum_(Tx) of partially exposed membrane=3920 mg

Wcum_(Tx) of 100% exposed membrane=4430 mg

and is3920 mg×100%=88%4430 mg

TABLE 4 ~90% Membrane Exposure Percentage of Wt. Cumulative Loss of ‘90%exposed’ Weight Loss % Cumulative membrane of fully Days (mg) WeightLoss exposed membrane 0 0 0 — 1 263 5 93 2 536 11 74 3 804 16 78 5 101420 82 7 1449 29 82 9 1812 36 82 11 2129 42 83 14 2651 53 86 16 2826 5687 18 3162 63 91 22 3452 69 87 24 3667 73 88 28 3821 76 88 30 3920 78 8831 4011 80 90 35 4214 84 91

Comparative Example

For comparative purposes, the standard perfume formulation is used inthe same amount as in Examples 1 and 2 as the volatile composition butthe second wall of the housing of this dispenser is configured as shownin FIG. 9A and exhibits an exposure percentage of 27%, which iscalculated as 725 mm²/2700 mm²×100%. The aspect ratio of the majority ofthe individual apertures of the plurality of apertures is greater thanor equal to 1:2 but there are significantly fewer apertures in thesecond wall. The volatile composition weight loss percentage is measuredover a period of 30 days and is shown in FIG. 9B over that time frame.Ultimately, at thirty days (although measured at days 31 and 35) % Wcumis measured and is shown in FIG. 7B is calculated to be 56% as shown inTable 5 below as compared to the % Wcum of 88% for the fully exposedmembrane of Table 3 (in Example 1). The percentage weight loss ofpartially exposed membrane of fully exposed membrane is calculated where

Wcum_(Tx) of partially exposed membrane =2813 mg

Wcum_(Tx) of 100% exposed membrane =4430 mg

and is2813 mg×100%=63%4430 mg

TABLE 5 ~27% Membrane Exposure Percentage of Wt. Cumulative % CumulativeLoss of ‘27% exposed’ Weight Loss Perfume Weight membrane of fully Days(mg) Loss exposed membrane 0 0 0 — 1 138 3 49 2 266 5 37 3 431 9 42 5556 11 45 7 853 17 48 9 1108 22 50 11 1319 26 52 14 1623 32 53 16 177435 54 18 2044 41 59 22 2173 43 55 24 2360 47 57 28 2619 52 60 30 2813 5663 31 2876 57 64 35 3195 64 69An example is set out below:A. A volatile composition dispenser comprising:

-   -   a) a housing having opposing first and second walls that are        joined along their peripheries to one another, wherein said        first wall has an aperture and wherein said second wall has a        plurality of apertures;    -   b) a volatile composition cartridge disposed within the housing        between said first and second walls;    -   c) a gap, which exists between said cartridge and a bottom        surface of the housing, wherein said bottom surface is formed        from a joinder of a base portion of one or both of the first and        second walls, and        wherein, upon activation, the exposure percentage is from about        40% to about 90%; wherein at least about 60% of the total        surface area of the plurality of apertures results from        individual apertures of said plurality that each have an area of        at least 30 mm² and an aspect ratio of at least about 1:2.        B. The dispenser of claim A wherein the exposure percentage is        from 45% to about 90%.        C. The dispenser of claim A or B wherein at least about 65% of        the total surface area of the plurality of apertures results        from individual apertures of said plurality that each have an        area of at least 30 mm².        D. The dispenser of any one of the previous claims wherein the        individual apertures have an area of at least about 40 mm².        E. The dispenser of any one of the previous claims wherein the        individual apertures have an aspect ratio of at least about 1:2.        F. The dispenser of any one of the previous claims wherein said        gap is from 0.5 mm to about 8 mm in height.        G. The dispenser of any one of the previous claims wherein one        or both of said first and second walls are convex shaped.        H. The dispenser of claim G wherein said first and second walls        form an elliptical shaped disk when joined.        I. The dispenser of claim G wherein said first and second walls        form a sphere when joined.        J. The dispenser of claim A wherein an activation button is        disposed on said first or second wall.        K. The dispenser of claim J wherein said activation button is        situated next to said membrane such that depression of said        button activates release of said volatile composition from said        cartridge.        L. A method of delivering a volatile composition wherein said        method comprises the step of providing a dispenser according to        claim A.        M. A volatile composition dispenser comprising:

-   a) a housing having opposing first and second walls that are joined    along their peripheries to one another, wherein said first wall has    an aperture and wherein said second wall has a plurality of    apertures wherein at least about 60% of a total surface area of the    plurality of apertures results from individual apertures that have    an aspect ratio of greater than 1:2;

-   b) a volatile composition cartridge comprising a membrane wherein    said cartridge is disposed within the housing between said first and    second walls; and

-   c) a gap, which exists between said cartridge and a bottom surface    of the housing, wherein said bottom surface is formed from a joinder    of a base portion of one or both of the first and second walls; and    wherein said dispenser is activated by a user and thirty days after    said activation, there is about 70% to 90% weight loss of said    volatile composition of a partially exposed membrane of a fully    exposed membrane.    N. The dispenser of claim M wherein at least about 70% of a total    surface area of the plurality of apertures results from individual    apertures that have an aspect ratio of greater than 1:2.    O. The dispenser of claim M wherein the individual apertures that    have an aspect ratio of greater than 1:4.    P. The dispenser of claim M wherein one or both of said first and    second walls are convex shaped.    Q. The dispenser of claim M wherein an activation button is disposed    on said first or second wall.    R. The dispenser of claim M wherein said activation button is    situated next to said membrane such that depression of said button    activates release of said volatile composition from said cartridge.    S. A method of delivering a volatile composition wherein said method    comprises the step of providing a dispenser according to claim M.

The examples illustrate the synergy that results when the exposurepercentage falls in the claimed range as a consequence of an appropriateproportion of apertures of the plurality of apertures of the second wallhaving an aspect ratio of greater than 1:2. These same examplesillustrate that the desired volatile composition percentage weight lossresults from the claimed combination of characteristic plurality ofapertures, primary aperture, gap, and housing.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application and any patent application or patent to which thisapplication claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded orotherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission thatit is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimedherein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other referenceor references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention.Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in thisdocument conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in adocument incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assignedto that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A volatile composition dispenser comprising: a) ahousing having opposing first and second walls that are joined alongtheir peripheries to one another, wherein said first wall has a primaryaperture and wherein said second wall has a plurality of apertures; b) avolatile composition cartridge disposed within the housing between saidfirst and second walls; c) a gap, which exists between said cartridgeand a bottom surface of the housing, wherein said bottom surface isformed from a joinder of a base portion of one or both of the first andsecond walls, and wherein, upon activation, the exposure percentage isfrom about 40% to about 90%; wherein at least about 60% of the totalsurface area of the plurality of apertures results from individualapertures of said plurality that each have an area of at least 30mm² andan aspect ratio of at least about 1:2, wherein the primary aperture isdisposed in the base portion of the first wall, and wherein the primaryaperture has a an area from about 30 mm² to about 180 mm².
 2. Thedispenser of claim 1 wherein the exposure percentage is from 45% toabout 90%.
 3. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein at least about 65% of thetotal surface area of the plurality of apertures results from individualapertures of said plurality that each have an area of at least 30 mm².4. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the individual apertures have anarea of at least about 40 mm².
 5. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein theindividual apertures have an aspect ratio of at least about 1:2.
 6. Thedispenser of claim 1 wherein said gap is from 0.5 mm to about 8 mm inheight.
 7. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein one or both of said firstand second walls are convex shaped.
 8. The dispenser of claim 7 whereinsaid first and second walls form an elliptical shaped disk when joined.9. The dispenser of claim 7 wherein said first and second walls form asphere when joined.
 10. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein an activationbutton is disposed on said first or second wall.
 11. The dispenser ofclaim 10 wherein said activation button is situated next to saidmembrane such that depression of said button activates release of saidvolatile composition from said cartridge.
 12. The dispenser of claim 1wherein one or both of said first and second walls are convex shaped.13. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein an activation button is disposed onsaid first or second wall.
 14. A method of delivering a volatilecomposition wherein said method comprises the step of providing adispenser, the dispenser comprising: a) a housing having opposing firstand second walls that are joined along their peripheries to one another,wherein said first wall has a primary aperture and wherein said secondwall has a plurality of apertures; b) a volatile composition cartridgedisposed within the housing between said first and second walls; c) agap, which exists between said cartridge and a bottom surface of thehousing, wherein said bottom surface is formed from a joinder of a baseportion of one or both of the first and second walls, and wherein, uponactivation, the exposure percentage is from about 40% to about 90%;wherein at least about 60% of the total surface area of the plurality ofapertures results from individual apertures of said plurality that eachhave an area of at least 30 mm² and an aspect ratio of at least about1:2, wherein the primary aperture is disposed in the base portion of thefirst wall, and wherein the primary aperture has a an area from about 30mm² to about 180 mm².
 15. A volatile composition dispenser comprising:a) a housing having opposing first and second walls that are joinedalong their peripheries to one another, wherein said first wall has aprimary aperture and wherein said second wall has a plurality ofapertures wherein at least about 60% of a total surface area of theplurality of apertures results from individual apertures that have anaspect ratio of greater than 1:2; b) a volatile composition cartridgecomprising a membrane wherein said cartridge is disposed within thehousing between said first and second walls; and c) a gap, which existsbetween said cartridge and a bottom surface of the housing, wherein saidbottom surface is formed from a joinder of a base portion of one or bothof the first and second walls; and wherein said dispenser is activatedby a user and thirty days after said activation, there is about 70% to90% weight loss of said volatile composition of a partially exposedmembrane of a fully exposed membrane, wherein the primary aperture isdisposed in the base portion of the first wall, and wherein the primaryaperture has a an area from about 30 mm² to about 180 mm².
 16. Thedispenser of claim 15 wherein at least about 70% of a total surface areaof the plurality of apertures results from individual apertures thathave an aspect ratio of greater than 1:2.
 17. The dispenser of claim 15wherein the individual apertures that have an aspect ratio of greaterthan 1:4.
 18. The dispenser of claim 15 wherein said activation buttonis situated next to said membrane such that depression of said buttonactivates release of said volatile composition from said cartridge.